To think I can change careers

[FunkeyMonkey]

I have been working in childcare for 6 years now and I loved it, I really did but I think its time for a change. I handed my notice in at my current job and my last day is on the 31st of July. I had to do it. I have been so bored and as much as I love kids I just didn't think I was challenged anymore. Now here I am 26 with 6 years of experience of childcare and no other education. I love interiors and been doing a couple of interior design courses as well as a Diploma. I also done an Estate Agency course and I would love to work in either of these areas.

I appreciate it is hard to get into Interior Design so I am thinking keeping that as a hobby, try to do as much as I can to gain experience. For a job to make money I was thinking of Real Estate. I have no experience but I am motivated and so looking forward to a new challenge. Do I have any chance? I am not dreaming of high salary or anything more than cable of live off a small salary. I am thinking if I could earn 13k net to start with would be good enough for me. Do I have any chance to achieve that? Cambridgeshire area.

Oh and I have a supportive partner and no kiddies.

Sorry, can't offer much advice on courses or Interior Design as a career. However, you're still young and able to change career no problem. Worth an supportive partner and no children, there are so many opportunities for you. If it doesn't work out, you could always go back. Better to try and know, than never try and wonder. Good luck :-)

Sorry for typos, I'm on my phone.

Go for it. I think interior design can be a little bit who you know not always what you know! Can you network at all ? Can you apply for estate agency work. Present yourself well and be smily and polite at interviews. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Yeah, I know interior design career is a tricky one. I think there are loads of people out there today calling themselves Designers yet they don't know much about the industry. But heyhoo I know it wouldn't be easy to do that hence why I am thinking of Real Estate. I know everyone hates Estate Agents but I'd love the adult company, meeting new people and being able to climb the ladder so i am willing to give it a go. Phew... we shall see ...

Estate agents: expect to work a lot of evenings and weekends, most places seem to pay a low basic salary, but you can earn commission. If you are full-time you should be earning over £13k (minimum wage for a 35 hours week would be £14,250). Focus on transferable skills; people skills, persuasion and conflict resolution, time management, record keeping, observation and attention to detail etc, that you would have developed in your previous role.
I would send a CV and cover to every local estate agents, expressing your interest in estate agency as a career. Check online listings too. You may be able start off as admin in the office first, if there are no vacancies for agents.

Good luck!

I know, I don't expect it to be easy. Fingers crossed I will be able to land a job and I'll see from there.